2019 Ford Model E electric car range set to take on Tesla – report

Ford is reportedly planning an assault on the electric car sector with a new range of cars under the Model E banner.

According to Automotive News, Ford will use the Model E name for an upcoming range of small vehicles with electric drivetrains.

The Model E lineup will reportedly feature at least two body styles: a high-riding SUV, and a more traditionally shaped car, although it’s not known if this variant will be a hatch or a sedan.

As with the Hyundai Ioniq, the Model E range is said to be available with a range of drivetrain options, stretching from a petrol-electric hybrid through to a plug-in hybrid and a pure battery electric vehicle.

Above: Ford Focus Electric.

In May, Ford indicated it would build an electric car to compete with the upcoming Chevrolet Bolt and the Tesla Model 3. It seems likely that the fully electric versions of the Model E will have a range of at least 320km in order to go toe to toe with the Chevrolet and Tesla.

At present, Ford’s EV range is restricted to the Focus Electric, which is sold only in select markets. The Focus Electric currently has a range of just 122 kilometres, although an update coming soon will boost this to 161km.

Reports indicate the new Model E range will be built at a new factory in Mexico from the second quarter of 2019.

If this report does prove to be accurate, it might give some clues as to why Ford fought Tesla over the Model E name. In the end, Tesla decided to badge its upcoming entry-level EV as the Model 3 instead.